Hello, Texas Baptists! Your Texas Baptist staff recently welcomed directors of missions from around the state to your Baptist Building for a time of information and inspiration. We certainly affirm the work of the local association, and I appreciate the leadership of Lorenzo Peña as he leads our efforts to relate to our associations.

David HardageIt was good to have Nabil Costa of the Lebanese Baptist Society stop by for a visit. Join me in praying for the work and ministry of our fellow Baptists in Lebanon.

I enjoyed talking about our Baptist General Convention of Texas work with Jeter Basden’s men’s Sunday school class at First Baptist Church in Waco. Pastor Matt Snowden allowed me to report on our cooperative work with the congregation as well. Plus, I got to “welcome the guests.”

I really enjoyed my opportunity to share about our work with our Texas Baptist camp managers not long ago at their annual meeting. This year, they met at Highland Lakes Camp and Conference Center near Austin, where Danny Dawdy is manager.

Also, thanks to Pastor Troy Richardson of First Baptist Church in Warren, for allowing me to preach at their 125th anniversary service. It was a great day, topped off by a wonderful rain! And Village Bed & Breakfast in Woodville is just great. Elton and Ruth Hollingsworth will spoil you!

I also did my best to represent Texas Baptists at the south region state executive directors’ meeting at the North American Mission Board offices in Atlanta. Did you know Texas Baptists gave $6,372,747 to home mission work last year?

More next time. It is an honor to serve with you.

David Hardage is executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas Executive Board.